The Dreamer Genome

A secret lab conducts illegal experiments and takes genetic manipulations to a frightening level. Five viable test subjects grow up in drastically different environments, unaware of the secret locked in their DNA. Corporate greed dictates a high return on its investment. Will the freezable astronauts of the 21st century explore space willingly? More

In 2020, a passionate scientist conducts secret genetic manipulations to give human fetuses the ability to survive long periods of hibernation. He is supported by a pharmaceutical tycoon who believes in his genius and realizes the implications of his work: Cryogenics; to prolong life; a one-way time machine to the future; unlimited financial potential to the company who develops and markets such a long coveted dream.

When the clandestine lab is voluntarily destroyed to avoid discovery, test subjects are scattered and raised in extremely different conditions. Years later, only a handful possess the right genetic material to become the highly prized, freezable astronauts of the 21st century. When an eccentric billionaire finds out he is one of them, his personal agenda threatens to upset carefully elaborated plans spanning decades.

Written with rigorous attention to the limitations of the harsh space environment in the tradition of Arthur C. Clarke, with a blend of Michael Crichton’s use of untested scientific theories, the novel takes readers on a wild ride to the near future over a period of 30 years.

Steve’s love story with fantasy and Sci Fi goes way back to childhood, where his passion for comic books eventually evolved to novels. After being chief editor of a high school newspaper, he graduated from University with a deep knowledge of the used book stores in the Montreal area.

The desire to write came on gradually, sporadically, over the next years. It was done in spare time, on table corners, during breaks, after nights on the town or whenever the mood struck. Stories took shape, ideas were committed to paper and eventually to computers. It was all done in a disorganized way, as an artistic release.

And then life changed. Steve left a secure employment and left Canada, working at countless jobs that he never knew existed. He traveled extensively through Europe, visiting many medieval cities along the way. Contracts eventually led him to Japan, Australia, and even to North Korea, where Americans are perceived as Imperialists Evildoers.

Steve’s writing also changed, becoming more structured and oriented. He wrote two novels, that he peddled half-heartedly to agents and publishing houses. Alas, it was not meant to be, the books were not published and Steve quickly got discouraged. He kept on writing for his personal enjoyment, without serious motives or expectations, but always with the afterthought that his work had never really had a decent shot.

Back in Canada, Steve now raises a family and enjoys a sedentary life. His love for reading and writing is still strong, and the evolution of the electronic book market is making his head spin.

My Thoughts: A very interesting idea, this novel is highly complex, with multiple strands interweaving across decades to deliver a story about various people, and have they are affected by the development of the Dreamer device. From the children whose DNA is modified to make them more able to tolerate the hibernation, to the people who raise them, to the people affected by the actions of the greedy head of STAM, this is a very delicate balancing act. And it is mostly pulled off very well.

I did notice a mixup in the timeline between the 40 and 50 percent area in the book. I was keeping track of the age of the kids, and therefore the year, and noticed that the time slipped back a year, while the action keep proceeding forward in time. Oops! I don't think a casual reader would notice it, unless they were doing the same thing I was, but it's there. I noticed a number of misused words, or questionable word choices, and some typos, but overall it wasn't as bad as some others I've seen.

I will admit, however, that I was quite enthralled with the story. I tend to appreciate more character-driven stories, and this one perfectly blended that character development that I crave with enough action to keep the plot moving. Fans of science fiction and speculative fiction should enjoy this story. The sequel should be out later this year. I'm scheduled to edit it next week, thus the timing of my mini-marathon of Steve Grant's available books. If this sounds like the sort of book you'd like, definitely check it out.

Other Books by this Author: I recently read the two novellas Original Strand (review linked here where formatting allowed) and Mining Games (review linked here where formatting allowed), which are set in this universe well into the future. Grant recommends reading those novellas first before reading this full-length novel.

Disclosure: I received a coupon for a free Smashwords copy from the author in exchange for an honest review (and to prepare for editing the sequel novel). All opinions are my own.

Synopsis: In 2020, a passionate scientist conducts secret genetic manipulations to give human fetuses the ability to survive long periods of hibernation. He is supported by a pharmaceutical tycoon who believes in his genius and realizes the implications of his work: Cryogenics... to prolong life… a one-way time machine to the future… unlimited financial potential to the company who develops and markets such a long coveted dream.

When the clandestine lab is voluntarily destroyed to avoid discovery, test subjects are scattered and raised in extremely different conditions. Unfortunately for them, their corporate parent is expecting a high return on its initial investment. Greed and personal ambition eventually overthrow the last remaining shreds of common decency and the experiment spirals down a dark path.
(reviewed long after purchase)

Review by:
Andrew Fontenelle
on Feb. 27, 2013 :
"The Dreamer Genome" by Steve S. Grant is a Science Fiction tale set in the near future. An illegal and clandestine genetic experiment with babies as test subjects is suddenly terminated with the death of all but five of the infants. As the survivors grow older, they demonstrate enhanced physical and mental abilities and become involved, in various ways, with pushing the boundaries of space exploration within the solar system.

Whilst a little slow at first, it turned into a very entertaining story with some unique concepts. As the reason for the experiments don't become apparent until later in the book and you learn it's about much more than genetic research and this adds an element of suspense. I found that the various characters, both good and bad, were fairly well developed. "The Dreamer Genome" is certainly worth a read and I look forward to the sequel.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by:
Shannon R
on Feb. 15, 2013 :
I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

I really liked the story in this book, I'm a huge science fiction fan and this book definitely had it's internal science down in a believable way. But there was a few problems that made the book in a whole not really work for me.

I found there was very little depth to any of the characters, when certain characters died it didn't matter, they were just gone in order to push the story onwards and make the bad guys seem more bad, but without any real consequence.

I also felt the story dragged a lot in the middle and then ended quite suddenly. I think that some or even most of the time jumps should have been removed so we could have more insight into the characters, almost everything we know about the characters we are told about rather than being shown and we find out about things that they have done through news bulletins rather than story.

But in the end I found the story interesting enough that I will read the sequel when it comes out, and hope that some of the things I didn't like here will be different there.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by:
Karen Beecraft
on Jan. 28, 2013 :
This is a great book. Sad about the end though hope we don't have to wait too long for the next one to find out what happens!

This book had me hooked very quickly and finished reading it quickly. It had my heart pounding at moments waiting to see what would happen, which is rare from a book!
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by:
Larry B. Gray
on Dec. 21, 2012 :
The Dreamer Genome by Steve S. Grant is an excellent sci-fi novel. I thoroughly enjoyed every page of this book. From page one to the end it kept me glued to the story.

The author did a great job weaving a tail of suspense and a little intrigue together into a well-developed storyline. Each new plot and twist tied into the main story and was easy to follow. My only problem was it ended and now I HAVE to read the next book, it was that good.

The characters were well developed and very believable. It was easy to relate to each of the main characters, both the good guys and the bad. I found myself joining into the action as an unseen extra, cheering on each of the other characters.

I really liked The Dreamer Genome by Steve S. Grant.

I highly recommend this book to all readers.

[Please note: I was given a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.]
(reviewed within a month of purchase)

Review by:
Jacqui Cruise
on Dec. 06, 2012 :
I have just finished your novel. I really enjoyed it. The story is well written, the characters are believable and the story line is fantastic. Impeccable spelling and grammar. Keep up the good work. I will be first in line for the next installment :) Jacqui.
(reviewed within a month of purchase)